We own Jackson & Connor: Classically Modern Apparel for Men on the second floor of Thornes Market in downtown Northampton. We provide a well-curated selection of men’s dress and casual clothing for those who wish to look a bit more polished than the average person walking down Main Street.

We stand out from our competitors by excelling in selection, quality, knowledge and customer service. We opened in March 2008. Unbeknownst to us, the Great Recession had already begun. Although it has been a struggle to gain market share we have surpassed our goals and beat the odds of failing before year five has been reached.

Now after five years in business, we have a successful business, loyal customers, and are very proud to say that we are debt-free. We attribute this success to our passion for the menswear business, our willingness to go the extra 20 miles for our customers, our ability to not watch the clock (and divide by our take-home pay), and our belief and support of the local community. This last component has carried us further than we ever thought possible before actually implementing our good deeds policy.

Our policy of good deeds means saying yes to almost everyone who asks us to be a part of their community events. We cannot stress enough how important being a part of the "greater good" is for small businesses. If you can create good karma for your business it will carry you further than an inflated advertising budget will. When local non-profits ask you to donate to their cause, do. When local citizens ask you to contribute to their fundraiser, do. When asked to participate in a community project, do. Giving without expecting anything in return creates a feel good in the eyes of the community and gets the word out about your business without your having to say a word about yourself to anyone.

While the economy has been volatile these past five years we have known nothing else but the down-in-the trenches mentality. We realized that change is constant and the need to adapt to the changes is what makes small businesses stay afloat.

Among the most important lessons we have learned are: You need cash flow to stay afloat; good credit; be agile and hire good people. At the end of the day, let it go. And write thank you notes, because you want to not because you have to. It sets you apart from the rest, just do it.